At Simpleza, we organized an exclusive event where Héctor Tristán, partner at Tristán y Asociados, and Alex Sakkal, CCO of Grupo Nómada, shared key strategies on money laundering and opportunities in the real estate sector. This event was a valuable opportunity to explore the implications of Argentina’s current asset regularization regime and how to maximize its impact on real estate investments.
Héctor Tristán began his presentation by emphasizing that this regularization is not aimed at revenue collection but seeks to monetize the economy by promoting investment in strategic sectors. This regime is a key tool for tax residents, legal entities, and undivided estates, allowing them to declare assets both in Argentina and abroad until March 31, 2025. Some key points of the regularization include:
Stages of the regularization
- Stage 1: Until September 30, 2024 (extended to October 31, 2024), with a 5% rate.
- Stage 2: Until December 31, 2024, with a 10% rate.
- Stage 3: Until March 31, 2025, with a 15% rate.
Benefits of the regularization
- These include the release of tax and customs obligations, as well as guaranteed fiscal stability until 2038.
Assets to be declared
- These can include assets both in the country and abroad, and there are very interesting options for those who choose to invest in projects registered in the Real Estate Projects Registry (RePI) without having to pay the 5% tax on real estate investments.
Tristán highlighted that since 1987, there have been six regularization programs, each with its own particularities, and this one presents a unique opportunity to structure more efficient financial planning.
One of the most discussed topics was the Real Estate Projects Registry (RePI), a platform that allows investors to channel declared funds into construction projects with a focus on residential, rural, and commercial developments. This mechanism is designed to benefit direct investors, developers, builders, and contractors alike. Sakkal explained how projects like his, located in Palermo, Buenos Aires, have registered with RePI, offering a great opportunity for those looking to invest without paying the 5% tax.
The requirements for participation include registering the project, having supporting documentation, and obtaining a professional report certifying the feasibility of the development. This type of investment allows investors to diversify their portfolios in a safe way.
Alex Sakkal provided a practical perspective on how to leverage the regularization to structure long-term real estate investments. He highlighted that:
- It is not necessary to immediately decide what to invest in, but it is crucial to define how much capital to declare before October 31 to take advantage of the lower rates.
- Partial regularization: It is not necessary to declare all assets, allowing investors to plan their future investments more flexibly.
- Diversification: It is not necessary to place all funds in a single real estate project. In fact, investors can choose to divide their investments into several projects registered with RePI. Additionally, payments do not have to be made all at once; they can be structured through advances and installments, offering greater financial flexibility.
Sakkal also presented the Palermo real estate project, strategically located in one of Buenos Aires’ fastest-growing areas, with 38,000 m² designated for residential units, an apart-hotel, offices, and a varied gastronomic offer. This development features the Aldea Program, designed to provide practical solutions and create connections between residents and the community.
This event was an excellent opportunity to understand how money laundering regularization and real estate investments can complement companies’ growth strategies in the current context. Both Tristán and Sakkal agreed on the importance of long-term planning and the need to take advantage of the available tools to optimize capital management.
At Simpleza, we are pleased to have facilitated this space for reflection and analysis for our clients and collaborators. We invite you to stay tuned for our upcoming events, where we will continue to address relevant topics for the business world.
